So if I apply for a Nexus... does it matter that my passport expires next spring or should I wait?
How long does it take to get if I want to do the interview and everything in Mississauga (if possible)?
Sounds good. I'm in the US now, but don't cross the border much in the winter so I'll just book my interview at Pearson and wait it out.My first Nexus expired so I renewed last fall. Here's the link to the enrollment site. https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/main/goes When you get a new passport you have to report it to them. I haven't had any problems doing this and my passport and Nexus expiry dates are not in sync. If you want to do the interview at Pearson the wait is several months but you can usually get one in Niagara Falls NY within a few weeks of your approval.
Unless ALL the riders in the group or people in a vehicle each have a Nexus then the special lane cannot be used nor can the WHirlpool.
Only the Whirlpool bridge has that toll payment system where you load up money via your Nexus card.
If you are riding with a group of bikes and you have Nexus and they don't can you go through the Nexus line and wait for them on the other side?
Yes, did this last time. We had to go to CBI to pick up some goods and met other riders later enrouteI guess this is what I was asking above. It makes sense that you couldn't use Whirlpool - although if you set a meeting point in Niagara Falls and the other riders use Rainbow it would work. They aren't very far from each other. But I still fail to see why I can't use the Nexus lane at Peace/Lewiston if I'm riding in a group.
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My understanding is once you load the toll onto the card at Whirlpool the 1st time you can top it up with a credit card online. The first top up (at the machine) will determine what currency your card is in going forward. I believe once you have money on the card it can be used to pay the toll at any of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission bridges (Whirlpool, Rainbow and Queenston-Lewiston) but NOT Peace Bridge. You also get something like $1 off the toll.
One of the other benefits which nobody has mentioned yet, is that when flying out of Pearson and other major Canadian airports (whether you're flying domestic or international), Nexus members get to skip the main security queue and proceed to their own line. It's saved me literally hundreds of hours given the amount I fly for work (especially at peak travel times during weekdays).
How much is the toll for the whirlpool bridge?It was a 5 month+ wait for our cards. . The Whirlpool bridge is great, once you do the toll load thing the first time. At Pearson Nexus card holders get to avoid that endless zig zag conga line to US customs. Even domestic flights have a Nexus line to help bypass long screening lines for the masses. Hard to find better value for $10/year.
Heavy shoppers can fill out a travellers declaration form in advance and drop it in the mailbox in the Nexus line. Any duty, taxes etc. if you are over the limit just get charged to your credit card. Misrepresent anything and get caught....... you're screwed for life.